Alternative therapies for autism
This page is designed to help you research help and solutions to improve autism symptoms. You can use this reference page to find out more about the many different therapies that have helped others. New products and theories are popping up all the time.
There are many different therapies that have helped many people with “mental problems”, ranging from ADD/ADHD/Autism to depression and even schizophrenia. Some (like EEG Biofeedback (aka Neurofeedback (NFB)) or End Point Titration (EPT) or Hyperbaric (oxygen tanks) etc. that now have cheap alternatives are not included. Google these “names” if you want info about them.
1. The newest and certainly least expensive “brain training” method is the Neuroliminal Training (NT) system. This has now been shown to be an excellent and inexpensive alternative to both expensive Neurofeedback (NFB) training and hyperbaric oxygen. The results are very similar to those of Neurofeedback (both EEG and HEG BF). For a fraction of the cost of those, it offers an affordable and much better alternative to Ritalin and other dangerous drugs for low and middle income families who simply cannot afford Neurofeedback or Hyperbaric. Both NFB and NT work to eliminate the effects of allergens that cause mental problems of all kinds.
2. Allergens are almost always part of all “brain problems.” There is a simple and free (except for a little detective work) way to detect them. Even if you use NT or NFB training, this is a good idea!
3. For ADD continuum to autism (as well as depression and schizophrenia), there is a good chance that mercury used in infant or child vaccines (or other toxic minerals) could be the real underlying problem. These mineral toxins MUST be chelated outside the body. There are several old and new methods to do this:
has. Vitamin C in large doses: This has two advantages; it is relatively inexpensive and is good for your overall health. In my former practice, I used it with excellent success in many cases of schizophrenia. In general, it is very safe, unless the patient has a corn allergy (not that unusual). For younger children, I would recommend 1 gram (1,000 mg) at each meal per 40 pounds per child. Overdose only causes diarrhea, and this amount may need to be reached if it occurs. If you suspect a corn allergy, use calcium ascorbate, either in powder or pill form. I buy the cheapest form of ascorbic acid from Cosco, but my wife (with a corn allergy) has to use the calcium ascorbate.
b. Chelating chemical injection: A therapy in which a chelating drug (EDTA) is injected into a vein for about one hour in a clinic office. This is also quite expensive. Not recommended.
against Zeolite in liquid form: a newer method that is taken orally (and relatively expensive). This is actually a form of lava rock that is very porous, and this porosity attracts heavy metals (mercury, lead, copper, etc), binds to it, and carries it through the urine/ kidney. The reports are excellent, but they are marketed through a kind of multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme that makes them more expensive. The base retail price is about $50, but if you become a dealer it drops to $33 or so. You can get more details by googling “zeolite”.
d. Glutathione Supplements – There is a supplement (new to me) specifically designed to raise glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is a natural combination of amino acids that is a powerful antioxidant with several other interesting features:
It is an important part of the immune system that is often overlooked by scientists. Glutathione detoxifies the body by removing poisons, including mercury and other toxic minerals. (Similar to chelation, but most other toxins and minerals). It is not well absorbed when taken as a direct supplement. This is important as there are many supplements that contain glutathione that are generally not effective.
Low glutathione levels are found in all autistic children, as well as in many other sick or toxic people. These low levels do not allow good excretion. This explains why tests for mercury (and other minerals) in hair, blood, and urine do not accurately show what is stored in the body.
Supplemental Program Price: $85 for a 28-day supply. Again, it’s not cheap, but it seems worth it if you can afford it.
4. There is a company that advocates a special “Ecological Body Diet”. This has had great success with autism and virtually every other health problem. It includes many products designed to make the human body work better and more efficiently. It includes some very good probiotics, as well as others that help eliminate yeast overgrowth and “Leaky Gut Syndrome.” Again, it’s not cheap, but it’s worth it, if it’s affordable for your family.
5. What do digestive enzymes have to do with ADD/ADHD and autism? A “leaky gut syndrome” results in more allergy/sensitivity, and enzymes with meals break down food better, reducing the need for “leaky gut.” This has helped many people with ADD/ADHD as well as people with autism.
has. There is a Kirkman Labs sponsored bulletin board that has a forum on special digestive enzymes. Join at: [email protected].
b. Another company that has an excellent line of enzymes is New Beginnings. In addition to enzymes, they have a host of gluten/casein-free nutritional supplements and a “purified source” of cholesterol (see below).
6. At the recent conference in Orlando, I also learned that many autistic people have low cholesterol and that supplementing with two egg yolks a day can improve many symptoms. This is certainly easy and cheap to test. If the person is allergic to eggs (which is common), then a “purified” cholesterol can be obtained from the New Beginnings supplier that is non-allergenic.
7. For autistic (and ADD/ADHD) children, there is plenty of evidence that a gluten-free and dairy-free diet can help considerably. Google gfcf for more information. (The caveman diet above includes this and many more of the commonly allergenic foods. Try it for a week or so, then switch to gfcf.)
8. The latest research also shows that fish oil supplementation can dramatically improve the ADD-Autism problem cluster. I use salmon fish oil from Our Health Co-op. This web-based health food store is one of the best in both quality and price. (I have no financial interest in this company or Solgar, but I buy a number of supplements from them.)
9. There is a drug therapy called LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone). Although it is a drug, it appears that in low doses, it can significantly decrease many disease problems. Some good results have been reported for autistic people. (symptoms) in autism, HIV/AIDS, cancers, etc.
10. Another new nutritional “therapy” involves supplemental glyconutrients. A company called Mannotech is marketing them through an MLM (which I hate), and they are apparently helping with some ADD-Autism symptoms. For more details on glyconutrients, a newly discovered essential nutrient, check out both Manotech and glyconutrients by googling them.
11. There is also a therapy technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) that has also shown some good results with ADD/ADHD, depression, etc. This was put together by Gary Craig.
12. Some have had good results with NAET (Nambudripad Allergy Elimination Technique). However, the results are mixed, and Dr. Nambudripad is unhappy with many doctors who don’t follow her technique carefully.
13. There is a system similar to NAET called Bioset. There is a book “Food Allergy Cure” by Dr. Ellen Cutler, which explains the use of Bioset to eliminate allergies. This can also be done at home, as the book explains “How to do it”. Check your local library and see if they can order it for you, or you can probably get it from Amazon.com. Google bioset.
14. Don’t forget a very important way to improve all mental “illnesses”. Helps resolve “leaky gut syndrome” by cleansing the gut and supplementing with a good vitamin and mineral regimen. This should be a first step.
15. Finally, one of the oldest, cheapest and most effective “remedies” of all: magnesium! It has been known for years as the “calming chemical.” In our culture we rarely have enough, and this deficiency can make many mental problems worse. It’s safe as if you overdose, like vitamin C, it just gives you diarrhea! Milk of magnesia and Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) are two good old fashioned products that are often overlooked today. For autistic and ADHD kids in particular, try Epsom salt baths. It has helped many children and adults. I prefer Magnesium Citrate daily for supplemental use. I got this from the health cooperative mentioned above.
There is also a lot of free information on my website “drbate.com”, and you can get a free copy of the complete book “The Health Revolution” by subscribing to my free newsletter on that home page.